Making Time

With spring in full force and summer right around the corner, my schedule has filled up trips, concerts and anything I can think of to fill the time with that summer sun. But with all the fun comes the sacrifice of personal time. Me time. Alone time. Mano y Mano time (is that how you spell that phrase??). I don't know about you but, if you're anything like me, I need that individual time to regroup and re-energize. If I sacrifice that time, I burnout and have no capacity to love my friends and live life. So I thought I'd share with you how I plan to take care of myself with these next months.

Schedule

I am huge on schedules and planning. Ya homegirl uses a written planner, phone calendar and double checks on the computer. Can I get a high five from all ya plan freaks out there *AMEN*. The problem is that it is so easy to be tempted to fill in the blank spots in that calendar app. When I see a free day on my calendar I immediately think: What can I do that day.... Then scour the internet for a show I could go to or look for a workout class to trial. Totally cool. Totally awesome to pursue interests. Go be healthy and fun! But don't forget to just chill.

To minimize this, I plan alone time into my schedule. I will either purposely leave my morning schedule empty. Or other times I will physically schedule in alone time to prevent me from taking it away. What I do during those times vary depending on mood and needs. My work days are filled with serving and tending to other people, so I typically spend my mornings alone to read and journal. If I have more time, I'll squeeze in a workout. If not, I make sure to squeeze in an active alone time either during the middle of the day (if possible) or at the end. I need both static and dynamic alone time to feel fully rejuvenated.

Disconnect

When alone, I activate the "Do Not Disturb" feature on my phone to maximize my time. I also try to minimize looking at my phone to prevent the temptation of responding to a message or email. To help me I've been wearing a non-smart watch (I really don't know the actual word for a traditional watch...is it traditional watch?!). I've been loving my Jord watch, makes me feel extra classy as I casually glance at my wrist. I also then have to tell myself to stop casually glancing at my wrist every minute because the watch is so damn pretty. Can't help myself from a beautiful unique wooden watch.

Not being held captive to my phone has helped a lot with my mind. It's crazy how you can be so dependent on that notification subconsciously. We stare at a screen for so many hours in a day, it's good to stare and ponder into space once in a while. I used to use my phone as my time keeper but that also sucked me into checking notifications or social media every time. Using a traditional watch has helped break that habit for me.

Boredom

I've realized that it is LOVELY to be bored sometimes. Life can be full of so many crazy rollercoasters. It's good to enjoy the smooth ride of boredom from time to time. Initially, during my alone time, I felt this need to have to do something. Go walk somewhere. Go explore something. Go make an appointment to do something. But then I got lazy and didn't want to date myself. Myself and I took a break from dating. We decided to stay-in and learn what it means to get to know ourselves within the context of boredom.

Bruh. It's pretty awesome. No pressure or timeline. Just me, sweats and laundry. AMAZING. I remember a TEDxTalk about boredom. They said creativity happens during those times of unoccupied attention. We're forced to create our own fun based upon our own ingenuity. I think my inspiration for the blog or just life-at-large happens when I'm staring out my window for an abnormally prolonged period of time. It's surprisingly relaxing. Sometimes I just lay in bed reflecting on my days and really think about where my head and heart has been. Not down with that because I can realize some ugly things about myself...But that's probably why I keep doing it. It's important to make sure you grow from your own self-reflection. I can't always be dependent on someone telling me how to grow.

Surprise

So here's my surprise! To help jump start this new season of alone time, I'm giving away a $100 gift certificate for your very own Jord Watch!! Click here to submit an entry for your chance of winning! Men, this is for you as well. Jord has some solid men's watch options that range from classic to unique. I honestly contemplated getting a men's version because I love the look of a bold watch on a woman's outfit. So I compromised with the Frankie because it has that strong look without overpowering my wrist. Also! Jord has an option for engraving. The perfect touch to personalize your look. So whether you choose a men's watch or a women's watch, Jord is going to be such a great addition to your wardrobe. I can't wait to see who wins the gift certificate and the watch you end up choosing!! My fingers are crossed for everyoneeee. Just a sidenote: I hear there's a gift for all who participate in the giveaway...*wink* *wink*...Oh yeah, the contest ends April 14!

Anyway, I hope you found this post helpful and challenging. Please leave me comments below on how you spend your alone time! I'm always down to learn and explore. ALSO, please leave comments below on things you would love to see more of on the blog :)